The invention provides a system for remote control of a surgical device, comprising a first imaging device of a first type having a first image output. The first imaging device is positioned to image an area being subject to surgery. A second imaging device of a second type has a second image output. The second imaging device is positioned to image the area being subjected to surgery. A computer is coupled to receive the first and second image outputs and merge the first and second image outputs into a unitary image output representing a unitary image. Software, resident in the computer generates a graphic user interface including a menu and submenu items. A surgical device is coupled to the computer. Software, resident in said computer, receives and displays information received from the surgical device and/ or controls the operation of the surgical device.